Apple is commemorating a significant achievement today as the US tech giant reaches its 50th anniversary milestone. Established on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Apple’s beginnings trace back to Jobs’ parents’ residence in Los Altos, California, where they introduced the inaugural product, the Apple 1.
The inception of this personal computer marked the start of a journey that would lead Apple to become one of the most prominent companies globally, surpassing all expectations. Initially focused on computers, Apple has diversified its portfolio over the years, creating renowned products such as the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
The Verge team has engaged its audience in a discussion about Apple’s greatest achievements, yielding results that may surprise some. Unquestionably, the original iPhone, launched in 2007, secured the top position. This revolutionary device has emerged as Apple’s flagship product, revolutionizing communication, entertainment, transactions, and photography through its integrated cameras.
During the iPhone’s debut, Steve Jobs famously described it as “An iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator,” emphasizing the device’s multifunctionality. Following closely in second place is the iconic iPod, which disrupted the music industry in 2001 with its promise of carrying “1,000 songs in your pocket,” replacing bulky tape and CD players that were commonplace at the time. Apple bid farewell to the iPod range in May 2022.
Contrary to expectations, The Verge readers ranked Apple’s M1 PC chip in third place, acknowledging its transformative impact on Apple’s computer systems by enhancing performance and efficiency significantly. The ongoing poll on Apple’s best devices reveals dynamic rankings, with the top 20 evolving rapidly. As of now, here are the leading entries – do you concur?
1. Original iPhone
2. Original iPod
3. M1 chip
4. Original Macintosh
5. Mac OS X
6. Wedge MacBook Air
7. iPhone 4
8. iTunes
9. Original iPod Mini
10. Bondi blue iMac
11. Original AirPods Pro
12. Original AirPods
13. iPod with click wheel (4th gen)
14. Original iPad
15. Slim unibody iMac
16. AirDrop
17. Apple Pay
18. iPod Nano (2nd gen)
19. iMac G4
20. Original iPod Touch
